OFF THE MENU

By Florence Fabricant

Published: January 26, 2000

A Splashier Ruby Foo's

It's only fitting that the branch of Ruby Foo's Dim Sum and Sushi Palace, opening on Monday at 1626 Broadway (49th Street), looks even bigger and splashier than the original at 77th Street and Broadway. It's near Times Square, after all, and Steve Hanson, an owner, said he has spent nearly $1.5 million just on the neon signs that climb the facade.

But looks can be deceiving. The new place is smaller by 100 seats than the 400-seat place uptown though it, too, has a big red wall, oversize Buddhas and Chinese lantern chandeliers. Mah-jongg tiles decorate the bar.

Mary Ann Terillo, who was the chef and owner of Cafe de la Gare in Greenwich Village, has joined up with Tony Powe to turn Au Troquet, 328 West 12th Street (Greenwich Street) into Jarnac. The new place, scheduled to open on Feb. 29, is named for a village in the Cognac region of France where Mr. Powe grew up. They plan to have an extensive list of Cognacs and to serve country French food.

Metsovo, a new spot named after a village in northeast Greece, is to open tomorrow at 65 West 70th Street, with a menu of standard Greek fare, plus savory pies, baby lamb served in a bread loaf and a number of dishes with sharp cheeses. A wine cellar is planned.